Filius ante patrem

‘Filius ante patrem’ was once used as a name for Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) meaning ‘son-before-father’. The bright yellow flowers first emerge in late February on Brighton Greenway local wildlife site. But once pollinated by bees or hoverflies they will soon seed, with only the ever-expanding green leaves remaining during summer.

This native plant has a fascinating medical history for curing coughs[1] and is still found in the heart of the city.